A serpent meant renewed life of the year. A serpent with its tail in its mouth meant the year. […] They were clad in black and carried a torch, a sword, a knife, a whip, or a serpent. […] The wand typified power; the wings, diligence; the serpents, wisdom or prudence. […] — The Hydra* was a monster serpent having nine heads, one of which was immortal.